Vocabulary:
- horn /hawrn/
- biodiversity /bahy-oh-di-VUR-si-tee/
- incentive /in-SEN-tiv/
- advocate /AD-vuh-kit/
- exploitation /ek-sploi-TEY-shuhn/
[noun] – a hard, pointed growth on the head of some animals, such as rhinos, goats, or cows
The museum displayed ancient tools made from buffalo horns.
[noun] – related to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem
Biodiversity experts gathered at the conference to discuss ways to protect endangered species.
[noun] – something that encourages a person to do something or work harder
The company offered a bonus as an incentive for employees to meet their sales targets.
[noun] – a person who publicly supports or defends a particular cause, group, or individual, especially someone in need of help or protection
An environmental advocate spoke at the rally to protest deforestation.
[noun] – the action of using someone or something in an unfair or harmful way
The report exposed the exploitation of workers in the clothing industry.
Article reading:
The study was led by biodiversity researchers from South African institutions and Oxford University. The results provided the first long-term evidence that dehorning is an effective conservation strategy. According to researchers, the removal of horns every one to two years removes the primary incentive for poachers. While the practice has faced criticism from some animal rights advocates, recent findings show no negative effects on reproduction or survival. A separate rhino researcher stated that although horns are used for defense and social behavior, current data indicate minimal ecological impact. The procedure, which takes around ten minutes, involves sedation, blindfolding, and microchipping. Experts involved in the study regarded dehorning as a short- to mid-term solution and emphasized that improved law enforcement and ranger support remain essential. The project included collaboration between universities, game reserve authorities, the World Wildlife Fund, and other conservation groups working to protect endangered species from exploitation.
Discussion Questions:
- Have you ever visited a zoo or a wildlife park? If so, what animals did you see and what did you learn about them? If not, would you like to visit one? Why or why not?
- Have you ever learned about endangered animals in school or on TV? If so, which animal did you find most interesting and why? If not, would you like to learn more about endangered animals? Why or why not?
- Do you agree that removing rhino horns is a good way to stop poaching?
- What are the possible risks or problems with removing animal body parts to protect them?
- How can governments or communities help stop poaching in other parts of the world?
Summarization
Describe:
- incident
- wildlife
- population
- hunting
- traditional medicine